A local legend...

I would like to tell you a legend that many Capetonians hold dear to their heart. It is a legend that has been passed on down through the years and is still fondly shared today. It is the legend of Table Mountain’s snowy table cloth and where it came from. It is the legend of how Devil’s Peak got its name. It is the legend of Van Hunks and the Devil.

In summer months, the South Easter blows a cloud cover over Table Mountain, which has become fondly identified as its table cloth. It is a peculiar phenomenon and here is the legend that explains it...

Van Hunks and the Devil, taken from1horsetown.co.za

A retired pirate named Van Hunks (in some adaptations he is said to have been the fierce pirate Blackbeard) had had enough of the cruel seas and had decided to settle down in Cape Town with his wife. They lived in a little house at the base of Table Mountain and every sunny day Van Hunks would climb the mountain to the slope now known as Devil’s Peak to smoke his beloved tobacco as his wife could not handle the smell. He would light his pipe as he watched the boats in the harbour. He believed no one could smoke as much tobacco as he could.

One day he climbed to his favourite spot to find a stranger in a black cloak and wide-brimmed hat already sitting there. The stranger greeted him by name. Out of manners, Van Hunks decided to sit with the man and smoke his pipe. The stranger lit his own pipe with a flame conjured out of thin air. Van Hunks did not pay much attention.

The two men began to chat and soon an argument about who could smoke the most tobacco ensued. This led to a smoking competition between the two men. They smoked throughout that day, into the night and were still puffing away the next day. The clouds of smoke they created covered the mountain.

Soon the stranger started turning green and fell off his seat. His hat fell off, showing the two horns that were hiding under it. Van Hunks was delighted at beating the devil but his victory was short-lived.  The devil disappeared with Van Hunks and he was never seen again. Today when the cloudy table cloth covers Table Mountain, Capetonians will tell you that Van Hunks and the Devil are at it again. It is from this legend that the slope received its name, Devil’s Peak.

Table Mountain's table cloth taken from andrewcurrie.ca

Devil's Peak taken from pamgolding.co.za

Feeling Blue Peter?!

If you are visiting the Blouberg/Table View side of Cape Town, it is my recommendation that you visit the good old Blue Peter Hotel. This is the perfect place to sit down for a meal and sundowners, whilst enjoying the immaculate view of Table Mountain, Robben Island and Blouberg beach.  No other place can offer you such an enjoyable, casual environment and give you that “just-off-the-beach” feel.



Blue Peter front view.

In my opinion, Blue Peter has the best wood-fired pizzas around. Their Fish and Chips is also spectacular. In the summer months it is hard to find a seat but many people are content to place their bums on its large grass lawn to enjoy the sunset and vibe.  There is no dress code and no superficiality like other beach restaurants in Camps Bay. It is an awesome place for all family members to enjoy and perfect for those looking for a meal after building their appetites on the beach all day. Even pets are allowed!

The view of Table Mountain from the Blue Peter.

It is one of the oldest sites in Blouberg, dating back to the 19^th century when it was just a little tea room aptly called “The Springbok Café”. It has grown and developed into a beloved place for all locals and is constantly undergoing face-lifts to keep up with the ever-trendy Cape Town’s demands. It is reasonably priced and live music entertainment is offered on weekends. So what are you waiting for? Hop in the car with the whole family and come see what I am talking about!  



Sunset views from Blue peter's grass lawn.

Our natural wonder!

Let me just tell you that if you live in Cape Town or are just visiting and you haven’t been up Table Mountain, then you are missing out in a big way! Last week, when the weather was perfect, I made my mission to the cable car station and had a stunning day on my favourite mountain.

For so many Capetonians, Table Mountain symbolises home.  We see it every day in its flat-topped from, but rarely get to experience the beauty of the rest of Cape Town from a bird’s-eye-view.  A trip up Table Mountain in their state-of-the-art rotating cable car will cost you about R195 per person. Every cent is worth it. Just some advice; get there early to avoid long queues.

The trip in the cable car is pleasant. It can take 65 people up at a time. It rotates the whole ride up so that everyone gets to see our beautiful city. When you reach the top, you are in for the treat of your life. The views from the top will take your breath away.  You can view all of Cape Town from the top, from Camp’s Bay’s white beaches to the Green Point Stadium in miniature. The magnificence of the place we live in makes me proud to say I’m Capetonian! On a clear, sunny day, Cape Town looks like Never Never Land from this viewpoint!

If you haven’t been, make plans to go soon before we hit winter. It is no wonder that Table Mountain has been officially named as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the world!

The rotating cable car.



Never Never Land :)



Camps Bay

Why the Mother City?

Ever wondered why Cape Town is called the Mother City? Well there are many suggestions as to where this affectionate name was derived from.

The most common reason is offered by accredited Cape Town tour guide, Selwyn Davidowitz, ““In the 1930's some unknown party wrote to the local Cape Town newspaper claiming that Cape Town was the only city in South Africa that could justly call itself a metropolis. The public took to this description and because the word metropolis is derived from the Greek derivation of meter or metros meaning mother and polis meaning city, the nickname of "Mother City" was born. Hence today we know our wonderful city as being the Mother City."

Many say that Capetonians are a laidback, relaxed people and that it takes nine months to get anything done here. A mother gives birth after nine months, hence the name.

Another reason, which I found quite hilarious, is that they say Cape Town is called the Mother City because of the local Cape coloured dialect. Yup, you guessed it, as in “Jou ma se....” (Your Mother).

I would say that Cape Town is the Mother City because of the power of its beauty to calm the soul and its ability to host its many diverse children. I love this place! As they say, “Home is where the heart is!”

Taken From: georginacombes.wordpress.com

A BIG problem!

I recently came across some information that I have to share with all of you. It is a large issue that is taking over  South Africa and focusing on Cape Town. This endemic continues to grow. This endemic is obesity. 

Recently South Africa was ranked as the third most obese nation in the world, with Cape Town as its fattest city by the 2010 GlaxoSmithKline National Health Survey. Obesity poses a threat to the development of individuals and in turn the country’s development. The results of this survey revealed that 61% of South Africans are overweight, obese or morbidly obese. In a regional breakdown, the survey revealed that Cape Town was the worst affected with 72% overweight, obese or morbidly obese people followed by Pretoria with 68%, Johannesburg with 59% and Durban with 52%.

The World Health Organisation’s website says that overweight and obesity are the fifth leading risk for global deaths and that at least 2.8 million adults die each year as a result of being overweight or obese. Overweight and obesity are linked to more deaths worldwide than underweight. The average life expectancy of a South African has dropped to 60 years as a result of obesity, which was labelled a chronic disease by the World Health Organization.

As you can see this is a big problem. We all need to start taking responsibility for our own healthy lifestyles. Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. There is no excuse, especially with the two free gyms that have been built on the Sea Point Promenade and in Green Point Park! If you know nothing about being healthy then go consult Google. There is no reason for anyone to be so fat and unhealthy unless they have thyroid problems. Quite frankly, in my opinion, it is disgusting that anyone could let themselves get that big and unhealthy. It is almost as if they have a death wish. Let’s leave big to the whales in Hermanus!

Taken from thesecreasesdaily.blogspot.com

All four seasons in one day!

Wherever and whenever you go anywhere in Cape Town, it is important to be prepared. Why, you ask? Because the weather here is so damn unpredictable! Like nowhere else I have ever been, Cape Town can experience all four seasons in one day. You need to prepare yourself  for this so that the weather does not ruin your adventures in this lovely city.  Here are some tips on how to be prepared:

·        ALWAYS carry a jersey or jacket with you, even on extremely hot days.

·        Keep an umbrella in your boot.

·        Carry some sun block in your handbag or cubby hole.

·        A beach towel or blanket always comes in handy for those days when the clouds suddenly disappear and you are left with beach weather.

·        Always dress in layers on cool days so that you can just peel them off if it suddenly become hot.

In addition to these I have made it my personalised fashion statement to wear a scarf almost every day as it comes in useful when it’s cold, breezy or just to sit on when it’s hot enough to lounge outside! Happy adventures people!

Taken from kdp3016mpkt.blogspot.com

Cape Town's little slice of Greece

One of my favourite holiday destinations in Cape Town is Langebaan.  This little coastal town is called the “jewel of the West Coast” and for good reason. Langebaan is absolutely beautiful. An hour drive out of Cape Town and you will find yourself in a terrain very similar to that of Greece.  In fact, the terrain is so different that you don’t feel like you are in Cape Town anymore. Langebaan is bordered by the West Coast National Park and has a huge boat-friendly turquoise lagoon which flows into the ocean. One gets the best of both worlds.

Views from a beach bar.

Skatepark

It has everything you could possibly look for in a family holiday destination. One can take part in a multitude of outdoor activities such as kite surfing, boating, bird watching, fishing, game drives, horseback riding on the beach and  a fossil park visit. Other activities include shopping , partying at local pubs and dining at its many stunning restaurants. For kids there is a skatepark and a waterpark. There is even a casino for those who are feeling lucky. There is always something to keep you busy.

Wakeboarding on the Langebaan lagoon

I recommend that everyone tick Langebaan of their holiday list. It is a must! There is no doubt that you will return there again and again!